Natalia Betancourt Rodriguez

• Hometown: Cali, Colombia
• Languages Spoken: Spanish and English
• Declared Major(s): Biochemistry and Global Health
• Declared Certificates(s): N/A

Q and A with Natalia

1. Why is being a King-Morgridge Scholar important to you?

Being a King-Morgridge Scholar means having a deep social responsibility and a drive to reduce inequities. I am proud to call myself a KM Scholar because it links me to a group of talented young individuals that seek to create positive change in their home countries and the world. Despite coming from very different disciplines, I constantly feel inspired by my colleague’s projects and visions.

2. Why is having the King-Morgridge Scholars Program at UW-Madison important to the institution, state, and world?

The King-Morgridge Scholars Program has been a unique opportunity for students from underrepresented backgrounds to create change. Most of us come from countries where our ideas did not have the sufficient financial and/or political support. Nevertheless, the King-Morgridge Scholarship Program has enabled us to expand our horizons and create change within the institution and at the international level.

3. What is a fun fact about your hometown?

Cali, my hometown, is considered the Capital of Salsa. Salsa can be listened to in places such as grocery stores, taxis, and bars (of course). The music panorama makes Cali a vibrant and warm city. Caleños (people from Cali) are known for being extremely welcoming and joyful people.

4. What research experience do you have on campus?

I love how many different research opportunities I can find at UW. I have been actively engaged in Dr. Osorio’s molecular virology lab for one year. Recently, in Fall 2023, I started collaborating with Dr. Zamanian’s parasitology lab as well.